Polymer Morphology during Manufacturing

Dear Colleagues,

The properties of polymers, both synthetic and biopolymers, depend as much on the manufacturing process used to create the object as the igneuity of the molecule maker. It is well established that in manufacturing operations, such as extrusion, injection molding, fiber spinning, additive manufacturing, casting, and film blowing, the molten polymer is exposed to varying levels of stress and flow fields that induce different levels of anisotropy in the polymer melt and modify the nucleation and crystallization behaviour in the case of semi-crystalline polymers. Setting processing conditions is important for obtaining the morphology that in turn affects the final material properties and their performances.

This Special Issue is concerned with the morphology that polymers can develop during manufacturing and/or processing. There are no limits in terms of the manufacturing process, and papers relating to new technologies such as 3d printing and 4d printing are as welcome as new information on more established manufacturing processes. The study of polymer morphology is naturally multiscale, and contributions that reflect this in the experimental or theory work are especially welcome. Contributions that are centered on the mathematical or computational modelling of the morphology or of the manufacturing processes that lead to the development of the morphology are also very welcome. We emphasise that there are no limitations on the type of application, the nature of the materials (crystalline, liquid crystalline, nanocomposites, composites, thermosets, and thermoplastic), and the composition and scope of polymers investigated. Both original contributions and reviews are welcome.

Prof. Geoffrey Mitchell
Dr. Donatella Duraccio
Prof. Nuno Alves
Guest Editors

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